Former Orlen chief Daniel Obajtek appeared before Warsaw’s regional prosecutor’s office on Wednesday, alleging that investigations are driven by political motives rather than evidence.
Obajtek Appears Before Warsaw Prosecutor
On Wednesday before noon at the Warsaw Regional Prosecutor’s Office, a group of demonstrators under the slogan “Murem za Obajtek” assembled; the Polish MEP addressed the crowd.
He said, “Today’s actions are purely political decisions, outcomes and corporate interests are irrelevant.” He added that he was being summoned as a suspect who acted in the interest of Poland’s state security and Orlen’s security, and warned that he expects “nothing good” from the interrogation.
Prosecutor Investigates Former Orlen CEO
The prosecutor is examining claims of dereliction of duty by those managing Orlen’s property and corporate affairs. Investigators have collected witness statements, suspect explanations, documents, contracts, reports, and VAT invoices.
Evidence implies that Obajtek caused economic damage during his tenure as CEO; he allegedly ordered two investigative contracts totaling nearly 400,000 zł, purportedly to serve his personal interests.
Obajtek currently serves as a Member of the European Parliament, and the Parliament has removed his immunity.
Alleged Surveillance of Opposition MPs
In March last year, Prime Minister Donald Tusk mentioned a detective hired by Obajtek, primarily to monitor opposition lawmakers.
Tusk listed MPs Marcin Kierwiński, Jan Grabc, and Andrzej Halicki, noting that a broad surveillance operation involved not only celebrities but also state treasury companies.